As you know, I recently attended Hispanicize 2015. While yes, it’s an amazingly fun time filled with various networking opportunities, it also allows us to be exposed to various social good opportunities. My favorite encounter this year was meeting and being interviewed by some of the 40 ASPIRA students, hosted by Sprint, as they launched the Mobile Mentorship Program.
ASPIRA is a nonprofit Hispanic organization dedicated to developing and enhancing the educational and leadership capacity for Hispanic Youth. With Sprint as their partner, they launched the new Mobile Mentorship Program at Hispanicize to help connect students with inspiring business leaders and professionals from across the U.S. The Sprint booth had applications on hand for those of us interested in signing up to be a #SprintMentor. I of course signed myself right up and in doing so ended up being interviewed by the two students pictured above, as well as a couple other students interested in finding out how I got to where I am and what advice I could give them to get them to where they want to be.
And I wasn’t the only one. 
.@PiliMontilla le dio a @MrOreollana su 1ra entrevista para animarlo a perseguir sus sueños musicales. #SprintMentor pic.twitter.com/mn8uLvAafS
— Sprint Latino (@SprintLatino) March 19, 2015
It was so inspirational, seeing these young people take such an active role and interest in their futures.
Sprint believes that by offering Latino youth the opportunity to connect with mentors in their field of interest they will be able to curb the dropout rate and encourage kids to excel in their studies. I know mentors have definitely played a huge role in my life. Everyone from my parents, to my family, to elementary teachers, to professors, professionals and entrepreneurs. Each have played a role in molding me into who I am today, both professionally and personally. I know that’s why I embrace life long learning and have always looked for an avenue to share knowledge along the way. Whether it be as a trainer, adjunct faculty, via this blog and social media, or one on one as a mentor.
Thanks to Sprint’s interest in making this a success, potential mentors don’t have to be in the same state because students and mentors can stay connected via the Sprint phones and unlimited calls, text and data service gifted to the students.
So how about it? Do you want to provide the guidance and encouragement needed to help catapult the next generation of Latino professionals? It’s easy, all you have to do is sign up online here and once approved, provide coaching during the school year and offer valuable one-on-one information and advice to help encourage students to pursue their goals and be successful in all aspects of their lives. Totally doable and worth it if you can help inspire greatness in the next generation, don’t you think? So join me, and the inspiring collaboration between Sprint and ASPIRA, and let’s do our part to make a difference.
Do you have a mentor? How has it changed your life?
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I think it’s so great that you’re doing this! I had a couple of professors in college that really inspired me. I also participated in a mentor program when I worked at Univision and I am still in touch with the girl that I mentored. But as a former teacher I personally witnessed the impact some of my students experienced when I teamed them up with a mentor. They were more excited about school, more confident and just generally happier when their mentor would come all that way just to visit them.
With your smarts, charm and big heart I know you would be an awesome mentor! Go girl!! 😉
How cool is it that you’re still in touch with your mentee Liz! That’s awesome! Looking forward to this new fun adventure 😉